| Pages in topic: < [1 2 3 4] > | London conference 2008 - Proz conference expectations Thread poster: Ellen Singer
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Ellen Singer 
Local time: 05:57
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | Short summary of the conference (add at will) | Nov 27, 2008 |
mariana24 wrote:
Now, I am following this thread with great interest, I'm sure you'll understand, I want to know whether it was good or bad for me not being able to be there.
I understand there was some kind of translators' organisations tour de force, which I truly find hard to believe, looking at it from down here, the uncivilised world....but...apart from the SDL/ITI oriented week-end, could someone tell me about any content they found interesting, new, worth knowing of or that they would like to share with someone that was so eager to be present and couldn't?
Mariana (Proz.com and CIoL member, by the way)
We all learned something..... If only that some conferences are more equal than others.... and some translators are more equal than others and some organizations are more equal than others
I must say that the sense of humour of some of the participants (delegates, in the room, not on stage) was a definite bonus.... The subtle insider jokes can be very, very nice.....
Some information was interesting and even useful. Bill Maslen is very much into free software, and he provided some relevant tips (www.leafnetworks.com, www.desknow.com, collanos.com, and many other tips, which should be in the presentation when it is posted). Ros Schwartz is a very good speaker and she worded my experiences in the business better than I ever would. Jay Ketttle-Williams was interesting and fun. Nick Rosenthal had something to say but his ego got in the way. Istvan Lengyel did his best (some people had trouble with his accent, which is not bad for a Hungarian) to inform us that we need to inform CAT tool designers what it is we are looking for because their objective is providing it but sometimes they think we need what in point of fact we do not. I was not interested in patent translation so I went to look at the stands. Michael compared just the immediate interface of the CAT tools but most participants were under the impression that was the complete comparison..... Which led to questions regarding Trados pricing.... as the Trados column contained mainly crosses and not ticks.... I prefer comparing the total programme than just the first impression!
The "Where to now?" item was very short: Michael informed us we were now on our way to the bar....
I wish some of the presentations had been a lot shorter. Editing is usually about cutting out the unnecessary words.... That would have given us a lot of time to chat amongst each other!
Llana Castellano had organized a tour of the Whole Food market! That I would not have liked to miss! Good quality food, information and informal meeting of other translators (a handful). Budapest offered city walks, various pre-meeting options and such and this was not done in London...... A missed opportunity in my view!
We all work on our own or small teams. When we meet it is nice to really let our hair down. Watching a performance is just not the right format. If we live and learn, that would mean the time and money was not wasted!
They promised adding the presentations on the Proz.com site..... I hope they do. I gave up looking for the Budapest ones after a month Many pictures were added then, no sign of this this time around!
This is just a short summary of the conference. It does not include all the valuable information we were given...... And none of the aggravation....
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conferences organised by professional institutions tend to be more formal than the Proz.com ones. As I said before, Michael has done a good job, but where was the translator's point of view?
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Hi all,
I must admit that I too was a bit disappointed with this conference, although all in all I still think it was worth it for me (or at least I hope it will be)!
I have to agree with Ellen about the lack of opportunities to network/socialise (aside from the very pricey dinners that I opted out of). I was expecting to be able to meet up informally for a meal in a smaller group of like-minded people who had also thought that £40 for a meal in an Italian restaurant w... See more Hi all,
I must admit that I too was a bit disappointed with this conference, although all in all I still think it was worth it for me (or at least I hope it will be)!
I have to agree with Ellen about the lack of opportunities to network/socialise (aside from the very pricey dinners that I opted out of). I was expecting to be able to meet up informally for a meal in a smaller group of like-minded people who had also thought that £40 for a meal in an Italian restaurant was too much. However, this didn't happen at all, either on Friday or on Saturday (I had posted a message on the Conference forum to let other interested people know).
The previous week I had been at Asetrad's first conference in Salamanca and had a great time. Plenty of time to network and socialise and lots of people keen on going out afterwards and have a drink and a chat until the small hours of the morning. I realise this is also a cultural thing, but you'd think that people attending a conference would also want to network, wouldn't you?
Regarding the issue of ITT, IoL and Proz, I'm a member of ITI and Proz but I also felt a bit left out at the ITI Conference held in London in 2007. There are quite a few people there who have known each other and have been in this business for many years so, although I'm not exactly new after 13 years in translation, I still feel a little out of place in these gatherings and at this Conference I found the non-ITI members to be more friendly and open.
Has anyone else felt the same way? ▲ Collapse
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Trinidad Clares Flores wrote:
I have to agree with Ellen about the lack of opportunities to network/socialise (aside from the very pricey dinners that I opted out of). I was expecting to be able to meet up informally for a meal in a smaller group of like-minded people who had also thought that £40 for a meal in an Italian restaurant was too much. However, this didn't happen at all, either on Friday or on Saturday (I had posted a message on the Conference forum to let other interested people know).
A little group of 5 people went to a nice Napalese restaurant nearby... shame we didn't know about you... it was far cheaper than £40, even with the drinks included... and we stuffed our faces!
G
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Ellen Singer
Local time: 05:57
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER
Trinidad Clares Flores wrote:
The previous week I had been at Asetrad's first conference in Salamanca and had a great time. Plenty of time to network and socialise and lots of people keen on going out afterwards and have a drink and a chat until the small hours of the morning. I realise this is also a cultural thing, but you'd think that people attending a conference would also want to network, wouldn't you?
I once was in Salamanca for something related to translation. It was mainly geared towards first year university students and not experienced translators but I still had a good time.... Especially socializing....
I must agree with Giovanni, I decided the dinners were overpriced for boring food..... and searched for like-minded people there. I found a few, we went to the Nepalese restaurant through the recommendation of the Centre staff and it was fantastic. The food and company..... I never looked at the forum to see if any company was requested..... SORRY! I just did it there! We were the last to leave on Saturday.... They chased me with my coat.....
Socialization would be my first priority for a conference. The talks are to make sure we have something in common And to give us time to look for people that attract us at first sight.....
Spanish-speakers do tend to ramble on.... as do I (I am officially Dutch, but grew up in Rio de la Plata attending British schools.... so I am a mixture of the three cultures!)
I will see if I can find the next meeting in Salamanca or Spain, it sounds like fun!
| | | | | Shame indeed! | Nov 27, 2008 |
At the next conference I go to, I will make sure I look for the two of you then. In fact, I was sitting at the same table as you, Ellen, on Sunday (although a bit far to be able to talk a lot).
Seriously, it might have just been bad luck, but I didn't have that feel-good factor at this conference.
| | | | Ellen Singer
Local time: 05:57
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | Dinner options | Nov 27, 2008 |
Trinidad Clares Flores wrote:
Seriously, it might have just been bad luck, but I didn't have that feel-good factor at this conference.
Dear Trinidad,
I do remember you. We did not really have a chance to talk.... Please do look me up if and when convenient, inside or outside a conference... As is plainly visible.... I lead a sedentary life and I like good food!
I thought asking for the microphone to tell people to join us for a cheaper better meal was a bit too much
Dinner options should take into account we are not all able to fill our pockets just yet.....
| | | | Rebekka Groß (X)
Local time: 04:57
English to German
| Why I didn't attend this conference | Nov 27, 2008 |
I wasn't going to contribute to this thread but I've changed my mind
I had originally registered for the conference but in the end decided not to go ahead for various reasons. As a former conference organiser, I know how hard it is to stick to a certain budget and also heard many complaints about conference fees in the past. So I was totally bowled over that so many people happily forked out the conference fee, which... See more I wasn't going to contribute to this thread but I've changed my mind
I had originally registered for the conference but in the end decided not to go ahead for various reasons. As a former conference organiser, I know how hard it is to stick to a certain budget and also heard many complaints about conference fees in the past. So I was totally bowled over that so many people happily forked out the conference fee, which I was disappointed to see did not include a networking dinner.
To be honest, I simply wasn't prepared to spend that kind of cash when I wasn't really interested in the programme and it felt a bit too steep to pay for networking... I did miss parallel sessions which as Ellen mentioned in one of her posts give you more of a chance to find a session you're interested in.
I'm hoping to attend the Dortmund conference at the end of January because unfortunately, I would have missed it had it taken place at the beginning of December. And Jerzy told me that he plans to stick to the "old" and proven (?) multiple-session formula.
Personally, I hope there'll be an international conference in 2009. While the national/regional conference are certainly of value as different issues can be addressed, I for one like to opportunity to combine work and pleasure by travelling to interesting countries/cities and meeting colleagues from all over the world and I know many others feel the same. Henry, I hope you're reading this
Plus, I really want to meet Giovanni (for the first time) and Ellen (again) - a night out on the town with those two and other like-minded people sounds just the ticket. (And, no, I'm not giving you details on the night out my better half, Ellen and I had when we met up for a meal in Budapest last summer and left a lasting impression on the waiter of a tapas bar. I'm only revealing this much: lock-in )
On a personal note, Ellen - we're hoping to invade Holland in the spring!!! ▲ Collapse
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Ellen Singer
Local time: 05:57
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | Dortmund, here we come! | Nov 27, 2008 |
Rebekka Gross wrote: I wasn't going to contribute to this thread but I've changed my mind I had originally registered for the conference but in the end decided not to go ahead for various reasons. As a former conference organiser, I know how hard it is to stick to a certain budget and also heard many complaints about conference fees in the past. So I was totally bowled over that so many people happily forked out the conference fee, which I was disappointed to see did not include a networking dinner. To be honest, I simply wasn't prepared to spend that kind of cash when I wasn't really interested in the programme and it felt a bit too steep to pay for networking... I did miss parallel sessions which as Ellen mentioned in one of her posts give you more of a chance to find a session you're interested in. I'm hoping to attend the Dortmund conference at the end of January because unfortunately, I would have missed it had it taken place at the beginning of December. And Jerzy told me that he plans to stick to the "old" and proven (?) multiple-session formula. Personally, I hope there'll be an international conference in 2009. While the national/regional conference are certainly of value as different issues can be addressed, I for one like to opportunity to combine work and pleasure by travelling to interesting countries/cities and meeting colleagues from all over the world and I know many others feel the same. Henry, I hope you're reading this Plus, I really want to meet Giovanni (for the first time) and Ellen (again) - a night out on the town with those two and other like-minded people sounds just the ticket. (And, no, I'm not giving you details on the night out my better half, Ellen and I had when we met up for a meal in Budapest last summer and left a lasting impression on the waiter of a tapas bar. I'm only revealing this much: lock-in ) On a personal note, Ellen - we're hoping to invade Holland in the spring!!!
HEAR HEAR
See you there! I could not go to the previous one in Dortmund.... but now I go for sure! A Proz.com only meeting not 3 hours away with you and some other fun people sounds like the stuff I am looking for!
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Rebekka Gross wrote: Plus, I really want to meet Giovanni (for the first time) and Ellen (again) - a night out on the town with those two and other like-minded people sounds just the ticket. (And, no, I'm not giving you details on the night out my better half, Ellen and I had when we met up for a meal in Budapest last summer and left a lasting impression on the waiter of a tapas bar. I'm only revealing this much: lock-in )
if you put it this way, I might have to attend!
| | | | Ellen Singer
Local time: 05:57
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | Dinner in Dortmund | Nov 27, 2008 |
Giovanni, if you do not come.... we kidnap you.....
Dinner with Rebekka and Giovanni sounds too good to pass
All others are welcome to join us.... but I must warn you, we may become loud and cheerful...
Will there be pre and post meeting activities? How many days should be schedule for? Anyone with experience please provide advice!
| | | | | Conferences in the UK can be fun and informative too | Nov 27, 2008 |
I attended the Oxford conference and I thoroughly enjoyed that. Good networking, parallel sessions, speakers from all kinds of perspective, etc.
This conference was a disappointment to me too. I am not just saying this because Ellen is my sister. She is, of course, but we usually disagree on things.
My impression is that we were conned into an event where people tried to sell us a product that might be useful at times by people who had a very specific way of working. Th... See more I attended the Oxford conference and I thoroughly enjoyed that. Good networking, parallel sessions, speakers from all kinds of perspective, etc.
This conference was a disappointment to me too. I am not just saying this because Ellen is my sister. She is, of course, but we usually disagree on things.
My impression is that we were conned into an event where people tried to sell us a product that might be useful at times by people who had a very specific way of working. The overall impression was that unless we, mere translators, did not conform to this specific way of working, we'd be out of a job soon. Period. No discussion, no nothing. I am of course generalising because I did enjoy certain bits (the Nepalese meal topping the bill but also the talks given by Bill Maslen (who has a lovely voice to boot), Dr J L Kettle-Williams (who had me in stitches) and Ros Schwartz (even though her field is not mine)).
Michael did do a fantastic job in organising this event.
I am not a member of any association and that has never hindered my career. I simply do not fit in a neat little box and it is too much hassle to join any of the associations. My work load is such that if I cloned myself 3 times, I could still not cope, so why should I join? It's far more fun to do a degree of which I have three.
In future I will look at the programme more carefully before registering. ▲ Collapse
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Iwan Davies
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:57
German to English
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| Whose conference is it anyway? | Nov 27, 2008 |
The thread topic is called "Proz conference expectations", yet the conference was definitely Benisian in its origin. Yes, there were a number of (former) ITI members on the platform, and plenty of us in the audience, but really what do you expect? Michael has been a long-standing member and supporter of ITI, and a large number of us were eager to support him in this venture.
The conference, therefore, was independent in terms of its organisation. There were three main supporters - ... See more The thread topic is called "Proz conference expectations", yet the conference was definitely Benisian in its origin. Yes, there were a number of (former) ITI members on the platform, and plenty of us in the audience, but really what do you expect? Michael has been a long-standing member and supporter of ITI, and a large number of us were eager to support him in this venture.
The conference, therefore, was independent in terms of its organisation. There were three main supporters - ProZ.com, ITI and CIoL. Each of the three contributed on the weekend and beforehand to help Michael get the conference going (though it must be said, of course, that Michael and his team demonstrated extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm and organisational skills all of their own).
As a member of the organising committee of the ITI Conference in London in 2007, I can only say how sorry I am to the earlier poster that you felt left out when you attended the event at the Rembrandt. I know from personal experience that ITI members are usually very welcoming, and it is regrettable that your experience wasn't positive. I can only say that the feedback we received after that conference was extremely positive, and that if you come to the next conference in 2009 (also in London) then I am sure you will enjoy it.
My only criticism of the TSP Conference was the time-keeping (or lack of it). There needed to be someone whose sole job was to manage the presenters, and Michael, as presenter, host, contributor and all-round great guy who wanted everyone to have a chance to speak probably wasn't in a position to do that.
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank him once again, publicly this time, for all the work he's put in, not only at this conference, but also at previous events, through his articles, presentations and training courses, in raising the profile of translators and interpreters, whatever association they belong to. The standing ovation at the close of the conference was a fitting thank you for all his efforts. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Giles Watson
Italy
Local time: 05:57
Italian to English
In memoriam | Benisian and SDLian | Nov 27, 2008 |
Iwan Davies wrote:
The thread topic is called "Proz conference expectations", yet the conference was definitely Benisian in its origin. Yes, there were a number of (former) ITI members on the platform, and plenty of us in the audience, but really what do you expect? Michael has been a long-standing member and supporter of ITI, and a large number of us were eager to support him in this venture.
The conference, therefore, was independent in terms of its organisation. There were three main supporters - ProZ.com, ITI and CIoL.
Four, actually, because you're forgetting SDL.
I have no objections to serious translation associations like ITI, CIol, Proz and of course the Translators Association playing an active part in conference organisation, but I must admit I had no great wish to attend an event whose published programme was focused on SDL's somewhat partial commercial strategy.
I am sure Michael did a magnificent job. Nevertheless, there is a difference between conferences that, like the Proz events I have attended in the past, leave space for participants to actively participate, mingle and generally enjoy themselves and those that espouse a single supplier's commercial vision.
I still quite like Trados, though.
Giles
| | | | Hacene
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:57
English to French
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| Not the way I perceived it | Nov 27, 2008 |
Ellen Singer wrote:
... but only if you are into technical and software translation, not any other field....
Hi Ellen,
I must say, being a technical translator, I did not have this feeling at all. On the contrary, it seems to me that this conference was geared towards marketing (for instance the workshop on Sunday morning).
I did not perceive this ITI influence and I am not a member.
I agree with you, it would have been better to have more networking opportunities and hand-on sessions, but I can't complain as I missed some of the talk because I was networking.
I do believe that one of the short-coming of the conference was to try to give as broad a view as possible of the CAT tool industry and that it missed the point as the novices got lost in the swamp of data and the expert were frustrated by the lack of in-depth exploration.
I was lucky to meet and discuss with a few key people. Of course, I cannot compare with other Proz conference as it was my first attendance, but strompy Nick was more amusing than anything else, Jost, Jay and Michael gave us some interesting insight and I meet you. What more can a simple man like me want??
xx
Hacène
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